Can Willian pip Chelsea team-mate Oscar to starting role for Brazil in World Cup?

Chelsea’s Willian in action for Brazil against Serbia on Friday (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has a key decision to make ahead of Thursday’s World Cup opener against Croatia but nobody would have predicted 12 months ago it would be whether to start Chelsea midfielder Willian or not.

Willian, then of Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, was not in contention for a Confederations Cup spot and had not been anywhere near the Seleção side for two years.

However, the 25-year-old has forced his way back into Felipão’s plans following his move to the Premier League and could now pip club team-mate Oscar to a starting spot at the final post.

Oscar has been a mainstay in the Brazil team since making his debut in 2012 but his form has declined since the turn of the year for both club and country.

His performance in Friday night’s 1-0 win over Serbia was well below par and as a consequence he was replaced at half time by Chelsea team-mate Willian.

Oscar has been out of form for Chelsea this season and his place in the Brazil side is under threat (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Admittedly Oscar had missed training the day before the Serbia game to be with his wife for the birth of their first child but nevertheless, Scolari would not have been impressed with his display.

Brazil laboured to victory on Friday but Willian took his opportunity and performed solidly to add to his growing reputation after scoring in the recent 4-0 friendly win over Panama.

Previously, speculation had centered on whether Hulk deserved his starting position but the Zenit St Petersburg forward now looks certain to face Croatia after some strong performances of late and Oscar’s place is now under threat.

Also, Willian’s willingness to play from the left allows Barcelona forward Neymar the freedom to move inside and into the second striker position.

Seleção’s star attacker enjoys that role and it adds further weight to the argument that Willian should be starting instead of Oscar.

The 25-year-old’s work rate is an attribute Scolari rates highly too, and his ability to track back as well as provide a spark in attack could give him the edge over Oscar, who, quite frankly, looks exhausted.

Willian has appeared seven times for Brazil, all from the substitutes bench, however, his lengthy cameo on Friday suggests he is closer than ever to securing his first senior international start.